Today (Saturday), we took the four hour journey to the farm where we will spend the next seven days on retreat. The name of the town is Tsagarada. In the distance, we can see the Aegean Sea, a fifteen minute drive from this spot. It’s very beautiful here.
Before leaving Athens, we visited two places in the morning. First was the jail where Socrates was imprisoned and where he subsequently chose to drink poisonous hemlock rather than be sent into exile. He was convicted of poisoning the minds of young people with his “dangerous” philosophies and views on religion.
We also sat in meditation atop Philopappos Hill across from the Acropolis. The wind was blowing furiously as we opened our hearts to all of the people suffering in current wars. For my part, I asked those in battle or suffering in it: what do you need me to hear? The words I heard were grief, hopelessness, abandonment and fear. I also heard a small but insistent voice crying out for understanding and love and the necessity to keep hope alive. Our healer, Melanie, asked us to then open our eyes and drink in the power of this ancient and sacred spot and send some of its energy to those who needed it.
I look forward to a delicious, welcoming dinner with our hosts this evening and days of rest, conversation, swimming and more memories to share.
